Summary

Performs the full range of complex tests using specialized equipment that requires precise adjustments to respond to individual patient needs. Tests consist of partial and full Polysomnography - positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy devices setup and operation - and telemedicine equipment operation.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• a
• Citizenship
• Citizenship of the United States
• (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3g - this part.) b
• Education
• There are no specific educational requirements for this occupation
• Education may be substituted for experience only at the GS-4 and GS-5 levels
• See the grade requirements part of this standard for information regarding educational substitutions
• c
• Licensure or Certification
• Licensure or Certification is not required for this occupation
• however - it is strongly desirable at GS-6 or above as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge - skills - and abilities
• For certain functional areas at the higher levels or supervisory assignments - specific certifications appropriate to the specialty are indicated in this standard under "Titles and Certification/Registrations" Physical Requirements
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• English Language Proficiency
• Medical Instrument Technicians must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5a - this part
• **Polysomnography Technicians operate the electroencephalograph and other devices to record the electrical activity of the brain during sleep
• Registration is offered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT)
• Grade Determinations: Medical Instrument Technician (Polysomnography) GS-6 (a) Experience
• At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge - skills - abilities - and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled
• In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: b) Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities 1
• Knowledge of standard - computerized polysomnographs for recording continuous all night physiological data including EEG - EOG - EKG - EMG and respiratory parameters
• 2
• Knowledge of standard devices such as oximeters - respiratory effort devices - nasal pressure devices - thermistors - thermocouples - continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines - and laboratory computers including the ability to calibrate and operate the equipment and recognize and eliminate recording artifacts
• 3
• Knowledge of medical terminology and medical record organization to review medical records - sleep study orders - consent forms - medical charts - etc
• 4
• Knowledge of polysmnographic procedural protocols (including overnight sleep studies - MSLT - MWT - PAP - etc.)
• 5
• Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology and the international 10-20 electrode placement system in order to conduct the sleep studies
• (c) Certification
• No certification or registration is required at this level
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable
• GS-7 (a) Experience
• At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge - skills - abilities - and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled
• This would be experience which provided the individual with the knowledge - skills - and abilities to independently conduct difficult but standardized polysomnography examinations
• In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities 1
• Knowledge of CPAP function and operation to select and fit appropriate PAP patient interface devices
• 2
• Ability to independently titrate and document PAP level to achieve therapeutic goals
• 3
• Knowledge of indications - complications - and contraindications of CPAP therapy
• 4
• Knowledge of Bi-Level pressure titrations
• 5
• Ability to recognize changes seen during the PSG tracing and identify all stages of sleep
• This includes the ability to score and analyze sleep stages in clinical polysomnography recordings
• (c) Certification
• No certification or registration is required
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification is desirable GS-8 (a) Experience
• At least 1 year of experience comparable to the next lower grade level which demonstrates the knowledge - skills - abilities - and other characteristics related to the duties of the positions to be filled
• This would be experience which provided a knowledge of the more complex procedures as well as knowledge of the uncommon and/or rare sleep disorders
• In addition - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (b) Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities 1
• Advanced knowledge or the International Classification of Sleep Disorders and the ability to recognize uncommon and/or rare sleep disorders
• 2
• Ability to summarize and report polysomnographic data in narrative form
• 3
• Knowledge of event characteristics (e.g. - respiratory - cardiac - sleep stage - seizures - etc.) and ability to take appropriate action
• 4
• Ability to provide briefings and orientation to hospital staff including physicians
• (c) Certification
• No certification or registration is required
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are also desirable for employees at this level
• Preferred Experience: RPSGT - RST or CRT-SDS or RRT-SDS preferred and a minimum a 1 year of experience
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to GS-8.

Duties

• Checks in and stages patients for CPAP clinic
• Assists patients with proper fit for PAP equipment and masks
• Sets up the exam rooms to assure sterile supplies and other required equipment are carefully selected and properly presented as determined by the test being performed
• Sets up the PAP equipment - performs quality checks to ensure readiness for use during the procedure
• Establishes and monitors quality control - record keeping systems and measures to assure the accuracy and validity of results
• Establishes and writes instructions for calibrating and standardizing instruments and equipment
• Translates data into meaningful information
• Examines and considers all aspects of a situation - including its context and complexity - in order to identify the best course of action and reach an informed decision
• Ensures all equipment is kept clean and safe for use by the PAP patient
• Able to recognize and report malfunctioning equipment to Biomedical Services for repair or replacement
• Maintains and monitors all necessary supplies are stocked and available in the event of an emergent procedure
• Ensures proper cleaning and performs minor adjustments and maintenance
• Helps with instructing the remote - CBOC technicians to download the HSAT data to the Portland VA Sleep Center and score the HSAT study
• Oversees staff working at remote CBOCs for the HSAT program to assure competency in HSAT and PAP setup
• Independently explains the procedures to the patient and answers any questions regarding HSAT study
• Appropriately prepares patient for test using standardized aseptic technique
• Performs triage - rearranges schedule according to patient priorities - and assists other MITs when needed
• Evaluates and reviews market of HSAT equipment to determine if new equipment would provide additional clinical diagnostic abilities and recommends new equipment as needed
• Prepares - calibrates - interfaces - and operates all equipment used in polysomnographic procedures
• Applies electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes based on the International 10-20 electrode placement system
• Applies electro-oculogram (EOG) - electromyogram (EMG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) using AASM scoring manual
• Applies pulse oximeter ear or finger probe
• thoracic and abdominal effort belts
• nasal/oral thermistor or thermocouple sensors and pressure sensors to produce flow signals - and other diagnostic electrodes and equipment
• Ensures patient comfort and proper function of applied electrodes and transducers
• Monitors patient - diagnostic equipment - recording and video equipment throughout the study
• obtains artifact-free data and tracings
• record significant observations such as sleep stage - heart rate - respiration rate - oxygen saturation level - body position
• presence and/or absence of sleep apnea - snoring - myoclonus - bruxism - cardiac arrhythmias - sleep terrors
• Annotates seizures - abnormal sleep behavior and significant respiratory events on the EEG records in real time
• Maintains proper equipment function and data collection
• Work Schedule: 9-hour shifts (compressed work weeks) Week one: Monday-Wednesday 0800-1730 - Thursday 0800-1630 Friday off / Week two: Monday-Friday 0800-1730 Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave - 13 days of sick leave - 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior [work experience] or military service experience
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment - up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth - adoption - or foster care placement of a child
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment - full time employees with a total family income below $144 -000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized